Im reporting from Covenant Baptist United Church of christ in washington, d. C. This is one of a growing number of churches that are welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender preferences. They call it open and affirming. Or ona. On this special edition of to the contrary we take to you three churches in very different parts of the country that are opening their doors along with their communal lives and ministries. Open and affirming is our churches are our way of grappling intentionally and faithfully with one of the most difficult things that the church faces right now. How to welcome and embrace and sanctify gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Here in st. Paul park, minnesota, a new consciousness is taking hold. Although this town was a manufacturing hub back in its heyday, today its a quiet town with one oil refinery. The church mirrors the town. Once a Thriving Church the community United Church of christ saw its population dwindle
Their open and affirming task force. He went on to work on same sex Marriage Campaign while his partner, javin swanson finished cemetery. When he finished the two help had a Big Church Wedding in the seminary chapel. Javi knicks and obe as they commit themselves. Pastor obe was able to take time off to work with javin to help make minnesota the 12th u. S. State to legalize gay marriage. People are really struggling with what sculpture says and some of the traditional teachings of the christian church. When pastor obe was voted in, a few of the members quit coming. I wasnt going to quit coming whether pastor obe, its his business, not mine. Im not the judge. And hes preaching gods word. People are really just honestly wrestling with a lot of it. And they cant discount the reality that obe is doing fantastic ministry here just because hes gay. At the same time they cant just dust aside sort of the qualms about homosexuality. Javin is studying to be a lutheran minister. In 2009 the Evange